Mequon, WI – The Lakeshore Chinooks have added two key infielders for their 2015 summer line-up with the additions of Kyle Fiala (Notre Dame) and Anthony Massicci (Canisius College). The talented pair makes key contributions for their college teams and both had tremendous summer seasons in 2014.
Kyle Fiala made an impact for the Fighting Irish in his freshman season as he started 47 games, mostly at third base; however, in mid-April the 6’0” native of Carmel, IN moved over to shortstop to replace an injured starter. That versatility, along with a high baseball IQ, makes Fiala perfect for Eddy Morgan’s Chinooks. “Kyle has gained a ton of experience in his time at Notre Dame and we’re looking for him to keep our infield solid and provide plenty of quality at-bats,” said Morgan.
In his first season with the Irish, Fiala hit .268 with six doubles and 11 RBIs and also stole five bases. This year the Irish got off to a quick 12-3 start including ten consecutive wins in which Fiala provided a game-winning 10th inning RBI single against Georgia Tech on March 6. Thus far, Fiala has started in all eighteen games, hitting .243 with eight RBIs and four stolen bases. The Irish coaching staff has seen tremendous improvement in Fiala’s fielding after a terrific 2014 summer in the Great Lakes League as Baseball America ranked him the league’s No. 5 prospect (No. 1 infielder). Fiala will look to build off his all-star season when he hit .388 and had 19 RBIs as he makes the jump to the competitive Northwoods League. “I’ve talked to multiple players, both on my team and on other teams, about the Northwoods League and everyone I talk to says that Lakeshore is hands down the best team to play for,” says Fiala. “I’m just looking to compete at a very high level in one of the best summer collegiate leagues in the country. There is always some great talent in the Northwoods League and I’m excited to compete and work on my game to try and become the best player that I can possibly become.” With his eyes set on becoming a player in the mold of Troy Tulowitzki, Fiala puts a premium on his defensive game, but at the same time will work to develop as an offensive threat – being able to hit for both average and power.
Anthony Massicci is entering his third season as the igniter for the up and coming Golden Griffins where he plays with returning Chinooks All-Star, Brett Siddall. A 2015 Preseason All-MAAC selection, the 5’10” junior from Ithaca, NY will provide speed and punch to the Chinook lineup. At Canisius, Massicci boasts a career batting average of .379 and has excelled at getting on base with an OBP of .494. The versatile middle infielder from Ithaca, NY ranked 12th nationally in on-base percentage for the 2014 season and 27th nationally for walks, earning Massicci 2014 ABCA Northeast All-Region honors as well as joining Siddall as First Team All-Conference in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and garnering First Team Preseason recognition for 2015. Massicci is currently hitting .298 with eight RBIs and six doubles while playing mostly at shortstop for the Golden Griffins who are looking to build off of last year’s 40-16 season. Morgan is excited about seeing Massicci join Siddall on the Chinooks’ roster. “Brett was such a pleasant surprise last summer that we felt bringing in his teammate would add punch to our line-up. Massicci gets on base and Siddall knocks him in – that’s a productive combination, “says Morgan.
Massicci has also excelled during the summer season. Playing for the Syracuse Salt Cats of the New York Collegiate League in 2014, Massicci broke the league’s hitting mark with a .354 batting average and was named the league’s Defensive Player of the Year. With his eyes set on a professional career, Massicci who patterns his game off Jose Altuve and Dustin Pedroia never stops trying to improve. “I just want to go out every day and get better,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to play baseball, keep climbing the ladder and stay hungry. The competition pushes you, and your team pushes you.” This summer, Massicci will get pushed even more as he strives to help Lakeshore repeat as champions in the ultra-competitive Northwoods League. “I just hope to gain a good experience by meeting new people and competing with some of the best collegiate players in the nation, “ said Massicci.
You can catch your first glimpse of the 2015 Chinooks roster on May 28th when Lakeshore takes on the Kenosha Kingfish at 6:35pm. The first 1,000 fans will receive a 2014 championship pennant (courtesy of Port Washington State Bank) and a 2015 magnet schedule (courtesy of Professional Supply). On Opening Day, there will also be a special pre-game championship celebrate. The championship celebration week will continue on Saturday, May 30th with Championship Trophy Gill bobblehead for the first 1,000 fans (sponsored by GS Design).
The Lakeshore Chinooks are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 22nd season of summer collegiate baseball, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 18 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, more than 120 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Allen Craig (BOS) and Ben Zobrist (TB). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League YouTube channel. For more information, visit www.lakeshorechinooks.com.